“So you told me yesterday after your night out, but guess what? I’m not totally heartless. I need to know you’re safe.”
I sat down on the edge of the bed and looked across at him. “You know what? I don’t know where I’m gonna go. I can’t go back to Justin’s. Even thinking about that place and what he did makes my skin crawl.”
He sat down next to me on the bed. My first instinct was to stand up to get away from him, but I didn’t. I found his closeness unnerving, unsettling. He always made me feel like the prey to his predator. Whether he meant to do it or not, I had no idea.
“What about your parents? Can’t you go home to them?”
I sighed, thinking about the cross-examination I’d get from them. I honestly didn’t have the energy for it.
“They’re due back from their travels in two days. I miss them, but I don’t know if I’ve got the energy to go through the whole, ‘What happened? Why aren’t you with Justin? What did he do?’ interrogation. Plus, Gloria has probably already spilled everything about the other night, when she met us at the gala. I think I’m gonna check into a hotel. Just until I can get myself straight.”
“No. That’s not happening,” he stated stubbornly.
“Again, my decision.” I met his stubborn glare with my own. “Anyway, I can’t stay with Daisy. She still lives with her parents and I don’t think they’d appreciate me taking over their couch for another night. My other friends have no space to put me up. And as for Travis, he has enough on his plate sorting things out with Cassie. I don’t want to put this on him, or anyone else. No. I’ve decided, I’m checking into a hotel. It’s easier.”
“You could come and stay with me, blondie. I’ve got plenty of room.” Cillian was in the hallway, with a rather embarrassed Sylvie standing next to him.
“Sorry, I let him in.” She smiled sheepishly and scuttled back down the corridor.
“She’s not moving in with you,” Jackson growled, sending an evil glare Cillian’s way. “She’s staying here. Her things are already here. It makes sense.”
“It sure does.” Cillian smirked and raised his eyebrow at me, waiting for my reply.
“Why would I stay here? Why would you even want me to stay here? It’s not like either one of us is invested in this whole rehab, ninety day agreement anymore. I’m not, anyway.”
Jackson leant forward, his fingers threading together as he turned to look Cillian’s way, then back at me.
“Maybe we change the agreement.”
I narrowed my eyes at him. “To what?”
He sat up straight and took a deep breath in. “You stay here, help me with the charity. Get it going, and bring in that funding you were so adamant about before. In return, I’ll pay you a salary and give you free board here. That is until you’ve gotten yourself back on your feet, to do the whole independent woman thing.”
I furrowed my brow, trying to think of a better alternative. I couldn’t.
“Sounds like a good deal to me,” Cillian said. “You get to do that ‘every day has a purpose’ thing and live here rent free. Come on, Tink. Put us out of our misery here. Are you staying?”
I bit my lip. “Do I still have to pretend to be your girlfriend and do all the boring event stuff?”
“Not if you don’t want to. In fact, you could come, but it could be a business thing. You know, networking for the charity.”
“Yeah, and watching over him at the same time,” Cillian added. “Make sure he doesn’t make a complete ass of himself when he’s let out alone at night.”
“Don’t you have somewhere else you need to be?” Jackson bit back, and Cill smirked.
“I’ll be on my way as soon as I know where this one is sleeping tonight.”
“Fine. I’ll stay,” I said, surprising myself.
I had to admit, it did appeal to me. Being able to mould and shape the charity to what I’d envisioned ever since he’d told me about it. I didn’t want to walk away from an opportunity like that. Not when it could bring so much support to people in need. I knew working on something like that would be rewarding, right up my street. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity for me. I certainly wouldn’t get that kind of experience or job satisfaction working for my father. Okay, so I’d have to learn to live a little longer with Jackson’s moody ass, but it beat a cold, empty hotel room. He might have been a dark angel, but I did enjoy his nightly piano playing. Plus, sparring with him, sharing wicked banter like we did, it was kinda fun.
At that moment, Sylvie appeared from behind the door.
“Thank goodness you’re staying, love. I was looking forward to making my homemade cottage pie for you this week. It’s Len’s favourite.” She grinned. “And Jackson’s too.”
He blushed. The dark angel actually blushed, and I couldn’t help but laugh.
JACKSON